Council axes �150,000 agency job

The council said Mr Duncan had attracted about �800,000 in grants

A transport chief who cost a council £200,000 despite the salary for the job being £50,600 is to have his contract ended "at the earliest opportunity".

James Duncan makes a weekly commute from Scotland to work for Bournemouth Borough Council in Dorset.

He is employed through through the agency Penna plc which charged the authority £206,000 between January 29, 2008 and 1 February, 2009.

The council leader said Mr Duncan will leave once a new staff member is found.

It is embarrassing for councillors that we were not aware of this package

Councillor Stephen MacLoughlin

Councillor Stephen MacLoughlin said: "It is embarrassing for councillors that we were not aware of this package.

"Having learnt about it we are putting things in place to make sure we are aware in the future."

He has ordered a review of the contracts for all council staff earning more than £65,000 a year.

Mr Duncan, transportation services manager, was meant to be a temporary employee after the council failed to fill the post but he has been there for 14 months.

His position will be re-advertised and his contract ended once a suitable applicant is recruited, Mr MacLoughlin said.

"I think there is a much better chance of getting someone suitable with the state of the economy and the likelihood many experienced people in this field are looking for work," he added.